India, Dec. 29 -- In a major step aimed at reducing road accidents and ensuring transparency in vehicle inspections, the state transport department has initiated the setting up of Automated Fitness Testing Centres (ATCs) across Maharashtra. These centres will issue fitness certificates for passenger and goods vehicles without any human intervention, thereby eliminating discretion and delays in the inspection process. In Pune, three ATCs are being established at Hadapsar, Alandi Road, and Dive Ghat, with construction and installation work currently in the final stages. The facilities are expected to become operational in the new year, bringing significant relief to vehicle owners.

The Maharashtra government plans to establish a total of 5...